Torque Limiting Tool Shearing Section for Orthopedic Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools lack a mechanism to prevent over-tightening of orthopedic devices, which can lead to user injury, and existing solutions are either complex, bulky, or not adaptable to individual anatomical differences, and often require expensive, application-specific tools.
Innovation Solution
A torque limiting tool with a monolithic, continuously formed design featuring an upper handle, a lower key part, and an intermediate shearing section with frustoconical sections that separate upon reaching a predetermined rotational force, preventing further adjustment once the load is reached, and a set of tools with different shearing sections for varying torque limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque limiting mechanism is integrated into the device itself, then torque limiting function is achieved, but device complexity and material bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting function is separated from the main orthopedic device and implemented through a separate adjustable tool. The tool is divided into a handle portion and a working end portion connected by a torque limiting mechanism, allowing the device itself to remain simple while the tool provides the limiting function.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate adjustable tool acts as an intermediary between the user and the orthopedic device. This tool contains the torque limiting mechanism and can be attached to various devices, providing a universal solution without modifying the devices themselves.
2Reliability
If a torque limiting mechanism is integrated into the device itself, then torque limiting function is achieved, but material bulk of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting function is separated from the main orthopedic device and implemented through a separate adjustable tool. The tool is divided into a handle portion and a working end portion connected by a torque limiting mechanism, allowing the device itself to remain simple while the tool provides the limiting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiting tool can be designed as a disposable or single-use item, eliminating the need to permanently add weight to the orthopedic device. After use, the tool is discarded rather than integrated into the permanent device structure.
3Device complexity
If a single tool is designed to limit torque, then tool simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different force ranges and applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting mechanism includes adjustable components that allow the torque threshold to be dynamically changed based on the specific application. The tool can be configured for different force ranges by adjusting the positioning of the working end portion or changing the torque limiting mechanism settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tool is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of orthopedic devices and applications. The handle portion can engage with different working end portions, and the torque limiting mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate various force requirements across different medical procedures.
4Reliability
If expensive application-specific tools are used, then torque limiting precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable tool is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of orthopedic devices and applications. The handle portion can engage with different working end portions, and the torque limiting mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate various force requirements across different medical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows adjustment of torque parameters to match different application requirements. By changing the positioning of components or adjusting the torque limiting mechanism, the same basic tool design can achieve precise torque control for different force ranges without requiring multiple specialized tool designs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool effectively prevents excessive tightening of orthopedic devices by shearing at a predetermined torque, ensuring safety and adaptability to different anatomical needs while being cost-effective and mass producible, with a set of tools offering various torque settings for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate portion has a shearing section and connects the upper and lower portions. The shearing section separates the handle from the key part when a predetermined magnitude of rotational force applies to the tool.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A torque limiting tool (10), method for using the same, and set of torque limiting tools (100) according to different loads are arranged for adjusting a device to a predetermined load, and preventing further adjustment once the predetermined load is reached.